Coconut Oil

I have always loved tropical islands and it was during my first visit to a tropical island, many years ago, that I tried fresh coconut juice and used coconut oil on my skin for the first time. I had a great time on the island and have visited other tropical places since.For me now, the scent of coconut oil conjures up happy memories of swaying palms, turquoise waters and soft, white sand so of course I enjoy using it.

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm, cocos nucifera. It is used in both skin and hair care as well as in food preparation. Here I want to look at the benefits and uses of coconut oil in skin and health care. 

What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil in Skin and Health Care?

Coconut oil is a good face moisturizer as it moisturizes deeply, unlike alot of commercial moisturizers that contain water so when the water dries, the skin dries again. Alot of these moisturizers also contain petroleum-based ingredients, which suffocate the skin. Coconut oil is free of these.

It is useful in massage as it generally softens the skin.

Coconut oil contains many proteins which benefit the cells and underlying skin tissues.

It is great for softening cracked feet and eliminating hard skin.

It can be safely applied to chapped lips and unlike some other gels, is not toxic if swallowed.

Coconut oil can be mixed with exfoliating materials as it improves their effects and the skin is not left irritated after an exfoliating treatment.

An important advantage of coconut oil is that it doesn't go rancid easily and works for a longer time on the skin after being applied.

In many cultures it has long been used in hair care and is a great hair conditioner. It gives the hair shine and body and reduces protein loss.

Coconut oil is full of antioxidants and is popular for its anti-aging properties.

It contains fatty acids that have disinfectant qualities and can help protect wounds from infection.

Soaps made with coconut oil are more soluble in hard water and salt water than other soaps and lather more easily.

What are the Risks of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fats available to us and because of its saturated fat content, there has been much debate about its benefits and dangers as a food. However, as a skin-care product, it is generally safe, rarely causing skin irritation. Natural soaps made with coconut oil are also safe. Don't use too much coconut oil when applying it to the skin or the skin will appear greasy.

How to Use Coconut Oil.

Coconut oil can be used for massage as it leaves the skin soft and supple. If solid, it easily melts in the palm of the hand and can be appplied directly to a desired area of the skin. It can be used on the skin in place of other moisturizers. It is wonderful in a bath. Add a few tablespoons to a bath and enjoy. As a hair conditioner, it can be applied to slightly damp or dry hair and combed through. Put a plastic bag or shower cap over the hair and leave the coconut oil in for a few hours before washing it out. Coconut oil replenishes the natural oils and proteins in the hair and helps prevent frizziness.

Oil Pulling

I find coconut oil is great for the practise of oil pulling, which I have started doing with good results. It is an ayurvedic practise which is beneficial for the health of the teeth and gums and helps reduce the incidence of cavities. It also naturally whitens the teeth. The best time to do it is straight after getting up in the morning.First of all, clean the tongue by scraping off the coating of toxins that collect during the night's sleep. Rinse the mouth and then put a couple of teaspoons of the oil into the mouth and swish it around without swallowing it for about 15-20 minutes.Spit it out into the toilet, not the sink as this could lead to blockages, and then rinse the mouth out with water. A drop of essential oil of frankincense can be added to the oil to serve as a breath freshener too. I do the oil pulling before breakfast and then after breakfast, I clean the teeth as normal. 

How to Store Coconut Oil. 

Some people prefer to purchase soaps and skin care products containing coconut oil while others prefer to purchase the oil. Coconut oil will come in either solid or liquid form depending on the temperature. It will solidify below 76 degrees fahrenheit. It has a high saturated fat content and is, therefore, slow to oxidize and is more resistant to going rancid than alot of other oils. It can be kept for up to two years without spoiling.

It will also change throughout the year from liquid to solid, with the temperature fluctuations but this doesn't damage it at all or shorten its shelf life. It is stable and doesn't require special storage conditions. It is possible to store it in the fridge but this is not necessary as it would become very hard. It is better stored in a cupboard. It is best purchased and stored in a glass rather than plastic container and should be kept out of direct sunlight. If buying it in a plastic container, make sure the container is BPA-free. so that no harmful compounds get into the oil.